Method and apparatus for displaying pulse sequence of magnetic resonance imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

A pulse display apparatus includes a display configured to display a pulse sequence schematic diagram that shows an MRI pulse sequence along a timeline that is divided into a plurality of time sections, a user input unit configured to receive a user input for selecting a first point on the pulse sequence schematic diagram, and a controller configured to control the display such that an image that is usable for identifying a first area is displayed on the first area, wherein the first point is located in the first area from among a plurality of areas that correspond to the plurality of time sections.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.10-2014-0105433, filed on Aug. 13, 2014, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a method and apparatus fordisplaying a pulse sequence of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is an apparatus that isconfigured for acquiring a sectional image of a part of an object byexpressing, in a contrast comparison, a strength of an MR signal withrespect to a radio frequency (RF) signal generated in a magnetic fieldhaving a specific strength. For example, if an RF signal that onlyresonates a specific atomic nucleus (for example, a hydrogen atomicnucleus) is emitted for an instant toward the object, which has beenplaced in a strong magnetic field, and then such emission stops, an MRsignal is emitted from the specific atomic nucleus, and thus the MRIsystem may receive the MR signal and acquire an MR image.

In general, a plurality of RF pulses and a plurality of gradient pulsesare sequentially applied to an object for a relatively long time inorder to acquire an MR image of the object. Such series of RF pulses andgradient pulses may be referred to as an MRI pulse sequence.

Further, the MRI pulse sequence may be set by a user. The MRI pulsesequence that is set by the user may be displayed as a pulse sequenceschematic diagram.

SUMMARY

One or more exemplary embodiments include a method and apparatus formanipulating a pulse sequence schematic diagram according to area unitsand displaying the pulse sequence schematic diagram.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented exemplary embodiments.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a pulse displayapparatus includes a display configured to display a pulse sequenceschematic diagram that shows a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulsesequence along a timeline that is divided into a plurality of timesections, a user input device configured to receive a user input thatrelates to selecting a first point on the pulse sequence schematicdiagram, and a controller configured to control the display such that animage that is usable for identifying a first area is displayed on thefirst area. The first point is located in the first area from among aplurality of areas that correspond to the plurality of time sections.

The controller may be further configured to acquire a parameter settingvalue that is usable for determining the plurality of time sections andMRI pulses generated in the plurality of time sections, and based on theparameter setting value, may be further configured to generate the MRIpulse sequence. The display may be further configured to display the MRIpulse sequence along the timeline.

The parameter setting value may include at least one selected from amongtime length information that relates to the plurality of time sections,order information that relates to the plurality of time sections,information about respective colors that correspond to the plurality oftime sections, and information about the MRI pulses generated in theplurality of time sections.

The display may be further configured to display a division line fordividing the plurality of time sections, on the pulse sequence schematicdiagram.

The controller may extract respective colors that correspond to theplurality of areas based on the information about the respective colorsthat correspond to the plurality of time sections. The display may befurther configured to display the extracted respective colors on theplurality of areas.

The user input device may be further configured to receive a user inputthat relates to changing a time scale of the timeline. When the userinput that relates to changing the time scale is received, the displaymay be further configured to adjust respective sizes of the plurality ofareas that correspond to the plurality of time sections and to displaythe extracted respective colors with the adjusted sizes.

The MRI pulse sequence may include a plurality of pulse sequences. Thecontroller may be further configured to determine a pulse sequence thatcorresponds to the first point from among the plurality of pulsesequences, and to determine a second area that corresponds to thedetermined pulse sequence from the first area. The display may befurther configured to display an image that is usable for identifyingthe second area on the second area.

The user input device may be further configured to receive a user inputthat relates to dragging from the first point in a direction of thetimeline of the pulse sequence schematic diagram. Based on the userinput that relates to the dragging, the controller may be furtherconfigured determine at least two areas that include at least a part ofthe first area where the first point is located. The display may befurther configured to display a respective image that is usable foridentifying a corresponding one of the at least two areas on each of theat least two areas.

The display may be further configured to display information about anMRI pulse displayed in the first area from among a plurality of MRIpulses that form the MRI pulse sequence.

When the image that is usable for identifying the first area isdisplayed, the display may be further configured to display an inputwindow that relates to inputting annotation information. The user inputdevice may be further configured to receive a user input that relates toinputting annotation information that describes the first area, via theinput window. The controller may be further configured to map theinputted annotation information to a time section that corresponds tothe first area from among the plurality of time sections, and then tostore the mapped annotation information.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a pulse sequence displaymethod includes displaying a pulse sequence schematic diagram that showsan MRI pulse sequence along a timeline that is divided into a pluralityof time sections, receiving a user input that relates to selecting afirst point on the pulse sequence schematic diagram, and controlling thedisplay such that an image that is usable for identifying a first areais displayed on the first area. The first point is located in the firstarea from among a plurality of areas that correspond to the plurality oftime sections.

The displaying the pulse sequence schematic diagram may includeacquiring a parameter setting value that is usable for determining theplurality of time sections and MRI pulses generated in the plurality oftime sections, generating, based on the parameter setting value, the MRIpulse sequence, and displaying the MRI pulse sequence along thetimeline. The parameter setting value may include at least one fromamong time length information that relates to the plurality of timesections, order information that relates to the plurality of timesections, information about respective colors that correspond to theplurality of time sections, and information about the MRI pulsesgenerated in the plurality of time sections.

The displaying the pulse sequence schematic diagram may includedisplaying a division line for dividing the plurality of time sectionson the pulse sequence schematic diagram.

The method may further include extracting respective colors thatcorrespond to the plurality of areas based on the information about therespective colors that correspond to the plurality of time sections, anddisplaying the extracted respective colors on the plurality of areas.

The displaying the extracted respective colors on the plurality of areasmay include receiving a user input that relates to changing a time scaleof the timeline, adjusting respective sizes of the plurality of areasthat correspond to the plurality of time sections, and displaying theextracted respective colors with the adjusted sizes.

The MRI pulse sequence may include a plurality of pulse sequences. Thedisplaying the image that is usable for identifying the first area mayinclude determining a pulse sequence that corresponds to the first pointfrom among the plurality of pulse sequences, determining a second areathat corresponds to the determined pulse sequence from the first area,and displaying an image that is usable for identifying the second areaon the second area.

The method may further include receiving a user input that relates todragging from the first point in a direction of the timeline of thepulse sequence schematic diagram, determining, based on the user inputthat relates to the dragging, at least two areas that include at least apart of the first area where the first point is located, and displayinga respective image that is usable for identifying a corresponding one ofthe at least two areas on each of the at least two areas.

The method may further include displaying information about an MRI pulsedisplayed in the first area from among a plurality of MRI pulses thatform the MRI pulse sequence.

The method may further include displaying, when the image that is usablefor identifying the first area is displayed, an input window thatrelates to inputting annotation information, receiving, via the inputwindow, a user input that relates to inputting annotation informationthat describes the first area, and mapping the inputted annotationinformation to a time section that corresponds to the first area fromamong the plurality of time sections, and then storing the mappedannotation information.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a display apparatus foruse in conjunction with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatusincludes a display configured to display a sequence of pulses receivedfrom the MRI apparatus in conjunction with a reference timeline, eachrespective pulse from among the sequence of pulses corresponding to arespective function associated with the MRI apparatus; a user inputdevice configured to receive a user input that relates to manipulatingthe display of the sequence of pulses; and a controller configured tocontrol the display based on the received user input.

The controller may be further configured to control the display todisplay a user interface (UI) window that is configured to facilitate areception of user input via the user input device by prompting a user toprovide a user input that relates to a predetermined function.

The user input device may further configured to receive a user inputthat relates to at least one from among a display parameter that isusable for arranging the display of the sequence of pulses, a time scaleparameter that relates to changing a time scale of the referencetimeline, a dragging input that relates to dragging at least one pulsefrom among the sequence of pulses, and an annotation input that relatesto textual information with respect to at least one pulse from among thesequence of pulses.

When the received user input includes the display parameter, and whenthe display parameter includes information that relates to respectivecolors that correspond to the sequence of pulses, the controller may befurther configured to control the display to display the respectivecolors in correspondence with the display of the sequence of pulses.

When the received user input includes the time scale parameter, thecontroller may be further configured to control the display to adjust arespective size of each pulse from among the sequence of pulses based onthe time scale parameter.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a method for displayinginformation generated by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus,includes displaying, on a display, a sequence of pulses received fromthe MRI apparatus in conjunction with a reference timeline, eachrespective pulse from among the sequence of pulses corresponding to arespective function associated with the MRI apparatus; receiving a userinput that relates to manipulating the displaying of the sequence ofpulses; and controlling the displaying of the sequence of pulses basedon the received user input.

The method may further include displaying a user interface (UI) windowthat is configured to prompt a user to provide a user input that relatesto a predetermined function.

The receiving a user input may include receiving a user input thatrelates to at least one from among a display parameter that is usablefor arranging the displaying of the sequence of pulses, a time scaleparameter that relates to changing a time scale of the referencetimeline, a dragging input that relates to dragging at least one pulsefrom among the sequence of pulses, and an annotation input that relatesto textual information with respect to at least one pulse from among thesequence of pulses.

When the received user input includes the display parameter, and whenthe display parameter includes information that relates to respectivecolors that correspond to the sequence of pulses, the displaying thesequence of pulses further may include displaying the respective colorsin correspondence with the sequence of pulses.

When the received user input includes the time scale parameter, thedisplaying the sequence of pulses may further include adjusting arespective size of each pulse from among the sequence of pulses based onthe time scale parameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readilyappreciated from the following description of exemplary embodiments,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a method for displaying a magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) pulse sequence, performed by a pulse display apparatus,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for displaying an MRI pulse sequence,performed by a pulse display apparatus, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams of a method for displaying a pulse sequenceschematic diagram based on a parameter setting value for determining anMRI pulse sequence, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a method for displaying information about an MRIpulse sequence, performed by a pulse display apparatus, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams of a user interface that is configured forselecting an area in a pulse sequence schematic diagram provided by apulse display apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a user interface that is configured for selectingan area in a pulse sequence schematic diagram provided by a pulsedisplay apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a method for displaying information related to anMRI pulse sequence displayed on a selected area, performed by a pulsedisplay apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a user interface that is configured for storingannotation information about a selected area provided by a pulse displayapparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for distinguishing a plurality ofareas that correspond respectively to a plurality of time sections,performed by a pulse display apparatus, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a method for distinguishing a plurality of areasthat correspond to a plurality of time sections, performed by a pulsedisplay apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a method for distinguishing a plurality of areasthat correspond to a plurality of time sections according to time scalesof a pulse sequence schematic diagram, performed by a pulse displayapparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a pulse display apparatusaccording to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a pulse display apparatusaccording to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Terms used herein will now be briefly described and then one or moreexemplary embodiments will be described in detail.

All terms including descriptive or technical terms which are used hereinshould be construed as having meanings that are obvious to one ofordinary skill in the art. However, the terms may have differentmeanings according to the intention of one of ordinary skill in the art,precedent cases, or the appearance of new technologies. Also, some termsmay be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, themeaning of the selected terms will be described in detail in thedetailed description. Thus, the terms used herein have to be definedbased on the meaning of the terms together with the descriptionthroughout the specification. Expressions such as “at least one of,”when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elementsand do not modify the individual elements of the list.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or“comprising” used herein specify the presence of stated features orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features or components. In addition, the terms such as “unit,”“-er(-or),” and “module” described in the specification refer to anelement that is configured for performing at least one function oroperation, and may be implemented in hardware, software, or thecombination of hardware and software.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examplesof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In this regard,the present exemplary embodiments may have different forms and shouldnot be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein.In the following description, well-known functions or constructions arenot described in detail so as not to obscure the exemplary embodimentswith unnecessary detail. Like reference numerals in the drawings denotelike elements.

In the present specification, an “image” may refer to multi-dimensionaldata composed of discrete image elements (e.g., pixels in atwo-dimensional (2D) image and voxels in a three-dimensional (3D)image). For example, the image may be a medical image of an objectcaptured by an X-ray apparatus, a computed tomography (CT) apparatus, amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, an ultrasound diagnosisapparatus, or another medical imaging apparatus.

Furthermore, in the present specification, an “object” may be a human,an animal, or a part of a human or animal. For example, the object maybe an organ (e.g., the liver, the heart, the womb, the brain, a breast,or the abdomen), a blood vessel, or a combination thereof. Furthermore,the “object” may be a phantom. The phantom means a material having adensity, an effective atomic number, and a volume that are approximatelythe same as those of an organism. For example, the phantom may be aspherical phantom having properties similar to the human body.

Furthermore, in the present specification, a “user” may be, but is notlimited to, a medical expert, such as a medical doctor, a nurse, amedical laboratory technologist, or a technician who repairs a medicalapparatus.

Furthermore, in the present specification, an “MR image” refers to animage of an object that is obtained by using the nuclear magneticresonance principle.

Furthermore, in the present specification, an “MRI pulse sequence”refers to continuity of signals repeatedly applied by an MRI apparatus.The MRI pulse may include any of a radio frequency (RF) pulse, agradient pulse, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) pulse.Therefore, the MRI pulse sequence may include an RF pulse sequence, agradient pulse sequence, and an ADC pulse sequence.

Furthermore, in the present specification, a “pulse sequence schematicdiagram” shows an order of events that occur in an MRI apparatus. Forexample, the pulse sequence schematic diagram may include any of adiagram showing an RF pulse, a gradient magnetic field, an MR signal, orthe like according to time.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a method for displaying an MRI pulse sequence,performed by a pulse display apparatus 100, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the pulse display apparatus 100 may be an MRIapparatus. The pulse display apparatus 100 may include a gantry 20 andan operating unit (also referred to herein as a “user workstation”) 60.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may receive, via the operating unit 60,a user input that relates to setting an MRI pulse sequence to be appliedto an object. The pulse display apparatus 100 may generate an MRI pulseaccording to the set MRI pulse sequence, and apply the generated MRIpulse to the object in the gantry 20.

The MRI pulse sequence may include, for example, one RF pulse sequence,three gradient pulse sequences, and an ADC pulse sequence.

An RF pulse sequence may indicate information about a series of RFpulses to be applied to the object. The information about the series ofRF pulses may include information about any one or more of a shape, anamplitude, and a duration of the series of RF pulses, and a time pointat which the series of RF pulses are applied to the object.

Further, a gradient pulse sequence may indicate information about aseries of gradient pulses. The information about the series of gradientpulses may include any one or more of a shape, a maximum amplitude, anda duration of the series of gradient pulses, an axis to which a gradientmagnetic field is to be applied, a through rate (e.g., a data throughputrate), and a time point at which a gradient magnetic field is applied onthe object. The three gradient pulse sequences may respectivelycorrespond to an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis in the gantry 20.

In addition, an ADC pulse sequence may indicate information related toat least one time of receiving RF echo data that is emitted from theobject.

Still further, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display the MRI pulsesequence as a pulse sequence schematic diagram 200. For example, asshown in FIG. 1, according to generation time, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may display an RF pulse sequence, X-axis, Y-axis, andZ-axis gradient pulse sequences, and an ADC sequence, which form a spinecho pulse sequence, on a timeline having an identical time scale.

The MRI pulse sequence may be divided into a plurality of time sectionsaccording to functions. For example, a first time section 110 in thespin echo pulse sequence may be a time section that corresponds to afunction of exciting protons in a cross-section of an object by applyinga 90° RF pulse and a cross-section selection gradient magnetic field Gzon the object.

A second time section 120 in the spin echo pulse sequence may be a timesection that corresponds to a function of determining a pixel value inthe cross-section of the object by increasing or decreasing one step ofa phase encoding gradient magnetic field Gy in a single frequencyencoding gradient magnetic field Gx.

A third time section 130 in the spin echo pulse sequence may be a timesection that corresponds to a function of applying a 180° RF Pulse torefocus spins of protons which are dephased over time after the 90° RFpulse is applied.

A fourth time section 140 and a sixth time section 160 in the spin echopulse sequence may be a time section that corresponds to a function ofdelaying time.

A fifth time section 150 in the spin echo pulse sequence may be a timesection that corresponds to a function of receiving an echo signal fromthe object.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may divide an MRI pulse sequence into aplurality of time sections and display the pulse sequence schematicdiagram 200 based on the divided time sections.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for displaying an MRI pulse sequence,performed by the pulse display apparatus 100, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

In operation S210, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display the pulsesequence schematic diagram 200 that shows an MRI pulse sequence along atimeline that is divided into a plurality of time sections.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may acquire a parameter setting valuethat is usable for determining the plurality of time sections and an MRIpulse generated in each of the plurality of time sections. For example,the pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user input that relates toinputting the parameter setting value. Further, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may receive a file, in which the parameter setting valuethat is usable for determining the MRI pulse sequence is recorded, froman external device.

The parameter setting value may include at least one selected from amongtime length information that relates to the plurality of time sections,order information that relates to the plurality of time sections,information about respective colors that correspond to the plurality oftime sections, and information about MRI pulses generated in theplurality of time sections.

Based on the acquired parameter setting value, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may generate an MRI pulse sequence that is divided intothe plurality of time sections.

For example, the duration of a first time section may be determinedbased on a parameter setting value related to a time length of the firsttime section. Further, based on a parameter setting value related to anMRI pulse generated in the first time section, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may determine any one or more of a shape, amplitude,duration, and generation time of the MRI pulse generated in the firsttime section.

When the first time section is determined, the pulse display apparatus100 may determine a second time section that follows the first timesection based on the order information of the plurality of timesections. For example, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine theduration of the second time section based on a parameter setting valuerelated to a time length of the second time section. Further, based on aparameter setting value related to an MRI pulse generated in the secondtime section, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine any one ormore of a shape, amplitude, duration, and generation time of the MRIpulse generated in the second time section.

Accordingly, based on the parameter setting value, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may determine the plurality of time sections and MRIpulses generated in the determined time sections, and thus generate theMRI pulse sequence that is divided into the plurality of time sections.According to an exemplary embodiment, the pulse display apparatus 100may receive a user input that relates to selecting a plurality ofpre-stored MRI pulse sequences.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may display the generated MRI pulsesequence along the timeline of the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200.

The MRI pulse sequence may include a plurality of pulse sequences. Theplurality of pulse sequences may include, for example, an RF pulsesequence, X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis gradient pulse sequences, and anADC pulse sequence. The pulse display apparatus 100 may display thepulse sequence schematic diagram 200 in which the RF pulse sequence, theX-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis gradient pulse sequences, and the ADC pulsesequence are arranged in parallel based on an identical time scale.

Further, in this case, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display onlythe MRI pulse sequence in the form of the pulse sequence schematicdiagram 200. In addition, the pulse display apparatus 100 may displaythe MRI pulse sequence and a division line that divides the MRI pulsesequence into the plurality of time sections.

Alternatively, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display respectivecolors on each of a plurality of areas of the pulse sequence schematicdiagram 200 in order to distinguish the plurality of areas.

For example, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine a function ofan MRI pulse generated in a time section of the MRI pulse sequence. Whenthe function of the MRI pulse is determined, the pulse display apparatus100 may display a respective image that corresponds to the determinedfunction on a respective area that corresponds to a respective one ofthe plurality of time sections.

In addition, for example, based on the information about the colors thatcorrespond to the plurality of time sections, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may extract respective colors that correspond to theplurality of areas of the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200. When thecolors that correspond to the plurality of areas are extracted, thepulse display apparatus 100 may display the extracted colors on theplurality of areas.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may distinguish the plurality of areasby displaying the colors on the plurality of areas of the pulse sequenceschematic diagram 200 only when a user input that relates to changing atime scale of the timeline of the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200is received. For example, when the user input that relates to changingthe time scale of the timeline is received, the pulse display apparatus100 may adjust respective sizes of the plurality of areas thatcorrespond to the plurality of time sections of the pulse sequenceschematic diagram 200, and display the extracted colors with respect tothe plurality of areas with the adjusted sizes.

In operation S220, the pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a userinput that relates to selecting a first point on the displayed pulsesequence schematic diagram 200.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user input that relates totouching a screen that displays the pulse sequence schematic diagram200. Alternatively, the pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a userinput that relates to selecting a first point on the pulse sequenceschematic diagram 200 via a user's use of an input device such as amouse or a keyboard.

In operation S230, from among the plurality of areas that correspond tothe plurality of time sections, an image that is usable for identifyinga first area, where the selected first point is located, may bedisplayed on the first area.

The plurality of areas in the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200 whichcorrespond to the plurality of time sections may be determined based onthe plurality of time sections and a time scale in the pulse sequenceschematic diagram 200. For example, based on a time scale of a timeline,the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine locations on the timelinewhich correspond to the plurality of time sections of the MRI pulsesequence. Based on the locations of the plurality of time sections onthe timeline, the pulse display apparatus 100 may divide the pulsesequence schematic diagram 200 into a plurality of areas.

When the plurality of areas in the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200,which correspond to the plurality of time sections, are determined, thepulse display apparatus 100 may determine an area where the selectedfirst point is located.

For example, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine an area thatincludes the selected first point as the first area, based oncoordinates of the selected first point and respective locations of theplurality of areas that correspond to the plurality of time sections.

Alternatively, for example, the pulse display apparatus 100 maydetermine a point on the timeline which corresponds to the selectedfirst point, based on the coordinates of the selected first point. Then,based on the locations of the plurality of time sections on thetimeline, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine a time sectionon the timeline which includes a point that corresponds to the selectedfirst point from among the plurality of time sections on the timeline.Further, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine an area thatcorresponds to the determined time section on the timeline as a firstarea where the selected first point is located.

When the first area, where the selected first point is located, isdetermined from among the plurality of areas in the pulse sequenceschematic diagram 200, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display animage that is usable for identifying the first area on the determinedfirst area. The image that is usable for identifying the first area maybe an image that indicates that the first area was selected by the user.Further, the image that is usable for identifying the first area mayinclude, but is not limited to, an image that represents an area with acertain color or a certain pattern.

Further, on a portion of the first area where the selected first pointis located, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display an image that isusable for identifying the portion. For example, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may determine a pulse sequence that corresponds to thefirst point from among the plurality of pulse sequences. In this aspect,from among the RF pulse sequence and the plurality of gradient pulsesequences, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine a pulsesequence that is displayed in an area where the first point is located.When the pulse sequence, which is displayed in an area where the firstpoint is located, is determined, the pulse display apparatus 100 maydetermine a second area that corresponds to the determined pulsesequence, from the first area. Further, the pulse display apparatus 100may display an image that is usable for identifying the second area, onthe second area.

Still further, the pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user inputthat relates to dragging from selected first point in a direction of thetimeline of the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200. When the userinput that relates to dragging in the direction of the timeline isreceived, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine at least twoareas that include at least a part of the first area, and display arespective image that is usable for identifying a corresponding one ofthe at least two determined areas on each of the at least two determinedareas.

In addition, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display informationabout an MRI pulse that is displayed on the first area from among aplurality of MRI pulses that form the MRI pulse sequence.

Further, when the image that is usable for identifying the first area isdisplayed, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display an input windowthat is usable for inputting annotation information. Through the inputwindow, the pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user input thatrelates to inputting the annotation information that explains the firstarea. The pulse display apparatus 100 may store the annotationinformation received from the user by mapping the annotation informationto a time section that corresponds to the first area from among theplurality of time sections.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams of a method for displaying the pulsesequence schematic diagram 200 based on a parameter setting value fordetermining an MRI pulse sequence, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may generate an MRI pulse sequence thatis divided into a plurality of time sections, based on a parametersetting value that is usable for determining the plurality of timesections of the MRI pulse sequence and an MRI pulse generated in each ofthe plurality of time sections.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the parameter setting value may be set in aprogram code format. For example, the parameter setting value may be setby using an object-oriented programming language.

Referring to operation S300, the MRI pulse sequence may be defined as anobject. Referring to operations S310 and S320, a time section may alsobe defined as an object.

In operation S312, a time section with identification information‘block1 text’ may be set. In operation S313, the duration of the timesection ‘block1 text’ may set to 5 ms. In operation S314, blue may beset as a color that corresponds to the time section ‘block1 text’. Inoperation S315, an RF sync pulse with identification information‘rf_sinc_1’ may be set. In operation S316, the duration of the RF syncpulse ‘rf_sinc_1’ may set to 3 ms. In operation S317, the RF sync pulse‘rf_sinc_1’ may be set as being generated in the time section ‘block1text’. In operation S318, the time section ‘block1 text’ may be set as afirst time section of the MRI pulse sequence.

Further, in operation S321, a time section with identificationinformation ‘block2 text’ may be set. In operation S322, the duration ofthe time section ‘block2 text’ may be set to 10 ms. In operation S323,red may be set as a color that corresponds to the time section ‘block2text’. In operation S324, a gradient pulse with identificationinformation ‘gradient_trapezoid_pulse_1’ may be set. In operation S325,a flat top time of the gradient pulse ‘gradient_trapezoid_pulse_1’ maybe set to 1 ms. In operation S326, a ramp time of the gradient pulse‘gradient_trapezoid_pulse_1’ may be set to 1 ms. In operation S327, theamplitude of the gradient pulse ‘gradient_trapezoid_pulse_1’ may be setto 30 mT/m. In operation S328, the gradient pulse‘gradient_trapezoid_pulse_1’ may be set as an X-axis gradient magneticfield that is generated in the time section ‘block2 text’. In operationS329, the time section ‘block2 text’ may be set as a second time sectionof the MRI pulse sequence.

Accordingly, the pulse display apparatus 100 may generate an MRI pulsesequence that includes an RF pulse within a time section of about 0 msto about 5 ms and an X-axis gradient pulse within a time section ofabout 5 ms to about 15 ms.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display thegenerated MRI pulse sequence as an MRI pulse sequence schematic diagram200.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may display a plurality of time axes 371to 375 for showing an RF pulse sequence, X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axisgradient pulse sequences, and an ADC pulse sequence with respect to anidentical time scale.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may display a division line 350, whichindicates a first time section 330, at a location of “5 ms” on atimeline. Further, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display adivision line 360, which indicates a second time section 340, at alocation of “15 ms” on the timeline. Still further, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may display an RF pulse 335 of 3 ms duration in the firsttime section 330. In addition, the pulse display apparatus 100 maydisplay a gradient pulse 345 having a flat top time of 1 ms, a ramp timeof 1 ms, and an amplitude of 30 mT/m in the second time section 340.

Accordingly, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display the pulsesequence schematic diagram 200 that shows the MRI pulse sequence that isdivided into a plurality of time sections.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a method for displaying information about an MRIpulse sequence, performed by the pulse display apparatus 100, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, the pulse display apparatus 100 may select a timepoint in the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200 according to a userinput and display an image indicating the time point selected by theuser on a location corresponding to the selected time point.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may display an image 415 that indicatesa selected time point at a point 430 on a timeline where a cursor 410 islocated.

Further, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine a time pointindicated by the cursor 410, and display information 420 about an MRIpulse generated at the determined time point on the pulse sequenceschematic diagram 200.

For example, the pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user inputthat relates to moving the cursor 410 on the pulse sequence schematicdiagram 200. Further, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine thepoint 430 on the timeline which corresponds to the time point indicatedby the cursor 410, and determine a time point indicated by thedetermined point 430. When the time point indicated by the cursor 410 isdetermined, the pulse display apparatus 100 may extract the information420 about the MRI pulse generated at the determined time point. When thetime point indicated by the cursor 410 is 85.626065 ms, the pulsedisplay apparatus 100 may determine that an amplitude of a Z-axisgradient pulse is 4.58738 mT/m and an amplitude of an ADC pulse is 1 at85.626065 ms. The pulse display apparatus 100 may display the extractedinformation 420 about the MRI pulse on the pulse sequence schematicdiagram 200. In this case, the pulse display apparatus 100 may displaythe extracted information 420 about the MRI pulse within a presetdistance from a display location of the cursor 410.

When the user input that relates to moving the cursor 410 is received,according to the movement of the cursor 410, the pulse display apparatus100 may move the image 415 that indicates the selected time point andthe information 420 about the MRI pulse generated at the selected timepoint.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams of a user interface that is configured forselecting an area in the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200 providedby the pulse display apparatus 100, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine aselection area based on a user input that relates to selecting a point,and display the determined selection area as an area selected by theuser.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may display a check box 500 for changingan interface mode to an area selecting mode. When a user input thatrelates to checking the check box 500 is received, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may display division lines 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and506 that divide an MRI pulse sequence displayed on the pulse sequenceschematic diagram 200 into a plurality of time sections. Further, when auser input that relates to unchecking the check box 500 is received, thepulse display apparatus 100 may delete the division lines 501 to 506displayed on the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200.

Further, the pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user input thatrelates to selecting a first point 510 in the pulse sequence schematicdiagram 200. When the user input that relates to selecting the firstpoint 510 is received, from among a plurality of areas that correspondto the plurality of time sections, the pulse display apparatus 100 maydetermine a first area 520 where the first point 510 is located as anarea selected by the user. Still further, the pulse display apparatus100 may display an image 525 that is usable for identifying the firstarea 520 on the first area 520.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a userinput that relates to dragging from the first point 510 to a secondpoint 530 in a direction of a timeline of the pulse sequence schematicdiagram 200. When the user input that relates to dragging from the firstpoint 510 to the second point 530 is received, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may determine whether the second point 530 is located inan area other than the first area 520 from among the plurality of areasthat correspond to the plurality of time sections.

When the second point 530 is located in a second area 540 that isadjacent to the first area 520, the pulse display apparatus 100 maydetermine the first area 520 and the second area 540 as areas selectedby the user. Further, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display animage 525 that is usable for identifying the first area 520 and an image545 that is usable for identifying the second area 530 on the first area520 and the second area 540, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a user interface that is configured for selectingan area in the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200 provided by thepulse display apparatus 100, according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine aselection area related to a pulse sequence based on a user input thatrelates to selecting a point on the pulse sequence schematic diagram200, and display the determined selection area as an area selected bythe user.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user input that relates toselecting a first point 610 in the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200.When the user input that relates to selecting the first point 610 isreceived, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine a portion of afirst area 630 where the first point 610 is located as the area selectedby the user. Further, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display animage that is usable for identifying the determined portion on theportion.

The portion may refer to an area that corresponds to a single pulsesequence. For example, from among a plurality of pulse sequences, thepulse display apparatus 100 may determine a pulse sequence thatcorresponds to the first point 610. For example, from among an RF pulsesequence, a plurality of gradient pulse sequences, and an ADC pulsesequence, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine a pulse sequencethat is displayed in an area where the first point 610 is located, basedon a location of the first point 610. When the ADC pulse sequence isdetermined as the pulse sequence that is displayed in the area where thefirst point 610 is located, the pulse display apparatus 100 maydetermine a second area 640 that indicates the ADC pulse sequence fromthe first area 630 as the area selected by the user. When the secondarea 640 is determined as the area selected by the user, the pulsedisplay apparatus 100 may display the image 645 that is usable foridentifying the second area 640, on the second area 640.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a method for displaying information related to anMRI pulse sequence displayed on a selected area, performed by the pulsedisplay apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the pulse display apparatus 100 may displayinformation about an MRI pulse sequence displayed on a selected area.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user input that relates todragging from the first point 610 to a second point 701 in an area wherethe ADC pulse sequence is displayed. When the user input is received,from among a plurality of areas that correspond to a plurality of timesections of the ADC pulse sequence, the pulse display apparatus 100 maydetermine an area 702 that includes points between the first point 610and the second point 701 as an area selected by the user. The pulsedisplay apparatus 100 may display an image 705 that is usable foridentifying the selected area 702, on the area 702.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user input that relates todisplaying information about an MRI pulse sequence displayed on theselected area 702. For example, the pulse display apparatus 100 maydisplay a user interface that is configured for displaying theinformation about the MRI pulse sequence displayed on the selected area,receive a user input that relates to selecting the displayed userinterface, and thus display the information about the MRI pulse sequencedisplayed on the selected area. Alternatively, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may receive a user input that relates to pressing acertain key that is mapped to a function of displaying the informationabout the MRI pulse sequence displayed on the selected area, and displaythe information about the MRI pulse sequence displayed on the selectedarea.

When the user input that relates to displaying the information about theMRI pulse sequence displayed on the selected area, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may display an identification window 700 that shows theinformation about the MRI pulse sequence displayed on the selected area.

On the identification window 700, the pulse display apparatus 100 maydisplay information about the ADC pulse sequence that is displayed inthe area 702 that indicates three time sections selected by the user.The information about the ADC pulse sequence may include RF dataacquired from the object and information about signal processing relatedto the acquired RF data.

For example, on the identification window 700, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may display the number of data samples (710), a line indexof data (715), a partition index of data (720), a slice index of data(725), an echo index of data (735), a phase index of data (745), a setindex of data (750), an average index of data (755), a measurement indexof data (760), a segment index of data (765), a center column index of aK space line (775), a center line index of the K space line (780), and acenter partition index of the K space line (785).

According to an exemplary embodiment, when an area in which an RF pulseor a gradient pulse is displayed is selected, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may acquire information about the RF pulse or the gradientpulse displayed in the selected area as a parameter setting valuerelated to an MRI pulse sequence. Further, the pulse display apparatus100 may display the acquired information about the RF pulse or thegradient pulse.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a user interface that is configured for storingannotation information about a selected area provided by the pulsedisplay apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display aninput window 810 configured to facilitate a user input that relates toannotation information about a selected area.

When an image that is usable for identifying the selected area isdisplayed, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display the input window810 for facilitating the user input of the annotation information.Further, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display a button menu thatrelates to inputting the annotation information in the selected area,and when a user input that relates to selecting the displayed buttonmenu is received, the pulse display apparatus 100 may display the inputwindow 810 for inputting the annotation information. In addition, whenthe pulse display apparatus 100 receives a user input that relates topressing a certain key that is mapped to a function of inputting theannotation information in the selected area, the pulse display apparatus100 may display the input window 810 for inputting the annotationinformation.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may receive the user input that relatesto inputting the annotation information that describes the selected areavia the input window 810. When the user input that relates to inputtingthe annotation information is received, the pulse display apparatus 100may display the annotation information on the input window 810.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may map the annotation information to atime section that corresponds to the selected area from among aplurality of time sections, and then store the mapped annotationinformation.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user input that relates tostoring the annotation information. When the user input that relates tostoring the annotation information is received, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may determine the time section that corresponds to theselected area from among the plurality of time sections. The pulsedisplay apparatus 100 may map the annotation information to the selectedtime section and store the mapped annotation information. In this case,the pulse display apparatus 100 may map the annotation information tonot only the selected time section but also a selected pulse sequence,and then store the mapped annotation information. For example, the pulsedisplay apparatus 100 may store the annotation information thatcorresponds to identification information of the selected time section.Alternatively, the pulse display apparatus 100 may store the annotationinformation that corresponds to the identification information of theselected time section and identification information of a pulsesequence.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for distinguishing a plurality ofareas that correspond to a plurality of time sections, performed by thepulse display apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.

In operation S910, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine an MRIpulse sequence that is divided into a plurality of time sections basedon a parameter setting value that is usable for determining an MRI pulsesequence.

The parameter setting value may include at least one selected from amongtime length information that relates to the plurality of time sections,order information that relates to the plurality of time sections,information about respective colors that correspond to the plurality oftime sections, and information about MRI pulses generated in theplurality of time sections.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may determine the duration of a firsttime section based on time length information that relates to the firsttime section. Further, based on a parameter setting value related to anMRI pulse generated in the first time section, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may determine a shape, amplitude, duration, and generationtime of the MRI pulse generated in the first time section.

When the first time section is determined, the pulse display apparatus100 may determine a second time section that follows the first timesection based on the order information that relates to the plurality oftime sections.

Accordingly, based on the parameter setting value, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may determine the plurality of time sections and MRIpulses generated in the determined time sections, and thus generate theMRI pulse sequence that is divided into the plurality of time sections.

When the MRI pulse sequence is generated, the pulse display apparatus100 may display the generated MRI pulse sequence along the timeline ofthe pulse sequence schematic diagram 200.

In operation S920, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine afunction of an MRI pulse generated in each of the plurality of timesections of the MRI pulse sequence.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may determine the function of the MRIpulse generated in each of the plurality of time sections based on atype, a shape, an amplitude, and a generation time of the MRI pulsegenerated in each of the plurality of time sections. For example, thepulse display apparatus 100 may determine a time section that includesonly an RF pulse and a cross-section selection gradient pulse as a timesection for exciting protons in a cross-section of an object. Further,the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine a time section thatincludes an ADC pulse as a time section for receiving an RF echo signalfrom the object. Still further, the pulse display apparatus 100 maydetermine a time section that does not include an MRI pulse as a timesection for delaying time.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may determine the types of echo based onpatterns generated by the MRI pulses in the MRI pulse sequence, andbased on the determined types of the echo, determine the function of theMRI pulse generated in each of the plurality of time sections. The typesof echo may include any of a spin echo, a turbo spin echo, a gradientecho, and an RF echo.

In operation S930, based on the determined function, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may display an image on an area of the pulse sequenceschematic diagram 200 which corresponds to a respective one of theplurality of time sections.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may display the pulse sequence schematicdiagram 200 that shows the generated MRI pulse sequence. Further, whenthe functions of the MRI pulses generated in the plurality of timesections are determined, based on the determined functions, the pulsedisplay apparatus 100 may display an image on an area of the pulsesequence schematic diagram 200 which corresponds to a respective one ofthe plurality of time sections.

For example, an image to be displayed on the pulse sequence schematicdiagram 200 may be set with respect to a function of an MRI pulse.Accordingly, the pulse display apparatus 100 may determine a function ofan MRI pulse generated in a certain time section, determine an imagethat corresponds to the determined function, and display the determinedimage on an area of the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200 whichcorresponds to the certain time section.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a method for distinguishing a plurality of areasthat correspond to a plurality of time sections, performed by the pulsedisplay apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring FIG. 10, the pulse display apparatus 100 may distinguish aplurality of areas that correspond to a plurality of time sections byshowing the plurality of areas in respective colors.

When displaying the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200, the pulsedisplay apparatus 100 may distinguish a plurality of areas of the pulsesequence schematic diagram 200 by showing the plurality of areas inrespective colors.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may display a button menu for displayingrespective colors on the plurality of areas that correspond to theplurality of time sections, and when a user input that relates toselecting the button menu is received, the pulse display apparatus 100may distinguish the plurality of areas by showing the plurality of areasin the respective colors.

Alternatively, the pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user inputthat relates to changing a time scale of a timeline. When the user inputthat relates to changing the time scale is received, the pulse displayapparatus 100 may distinguish the plurality of areas by showing theplurality of areas in respective colors. For example, when the userinput that relates to changing the time scale is received, the pulsedisplay apparatus 100 may adjust respective sizes of the plurality ofareas that correspond to the plurality of time sections. Further, thepulse display apparatus 100 may display respective colors that areextracted from the plurality of areas on the plurality of areas with theadjusted sizes.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the pulse display apparatus 100may distinguish the plurality of areas that correspond to the pluralityof time sections by showing different colors according to respectivefunctions of displayed MRI pulses.

Referring to FIG. 10, four first areas 910 may correspond to a timesection for exciting protons in a cross-section of an object. Further,seven second areas 920 may correspond to a time section for delayingtime. Still further, four third areas 930 may correspond to a timesection for receiving RF echo data from the object. The pulse displayapparatus 100 may determine a function of each time section, andaccording to the determined functions, display an identical image ontime sections having an identical function. Thus, the plurality of timesections may be distinguished according to the functions thereof.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the pulse display apparatus100 may show respective colors on the plurality of areas based oninformation about the respective colors that corresponds to theplurality of time sections.

For example, the pulse display apparatus 100 may acquire informationabout respective colors corresponding to the plurality of time sections.The information about the respective colors corresponding to theplurality of time sections may be set based on a parameter setting valuerelated to an MRI pulse sequence. When the information about therespective colors corresponding to the plurality of time sections isacquired, the pulse display apparatus 100 may extract respective colorsthat correspond to the plurality of areas based on the information aboutthe respective colors that correspond to the plurality of time sections.The pulse display apparatus 100 may display the respective colors thatare extracted with respect to the plurality of areas on the plurality ofareas. Accordingly, the plurality of areas may be distinguished by therespective colors that are set by the user.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a method for distinguishing a plurality of areasthat correspond to a plurality of time sections according to time scalesof the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200, performed by the pulsedisplay apparatus 100, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the pulse display apparatus 100 may adjustrespective sizes of a plurality of areas that correspond to a pluralityof time sections according to a time scale of the pulse sequenceschematic diagram 200, and distinguish the plurality of areas based onthe adjusted sizes.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user input that relates toincreasing the time scale of the pulse sequence schematic diagram 200.For example, the pulse display apparatus 100 may receive a user inputthat relates to increasing the time scale from 3.8373 ms/ptx to 18.6869ms/ptx.

When the user input that relates to increasing the time scale isreceived, the pulse display apparatus 100 may increase a time lengththat corresponds to a length unit of a timeline of the pulse sequenceschematic diagram 200. When the time length is increased, the pulsedisplay apparatus 100 may reduce respective widths of the plurality ofareas that correspond to the plurality of time sections. Further, thepulse display apparatus 100 may adjust an image displayed on theplurality of areas according to the respective widths of the pluralityof areas.

Therefore, even when a shape of an MRI pulse may not be recognized dueto an increase in a time scale, the user may identify a function of atime section based on respective colors that correspond to a pluralityof time sections that divide an MRI pulse sequence.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the pulse display apparatus 100according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the pulse display apparatus 100 may include adisplay 64, a user input unit (also referred to herein as a “user inputdevice”) 66, and a controller 50. However, it is not necessary toinclude all of the illustrated components, and more or less componentsthan the ones shown in FIG. 12 may be included in the pulse displayapparatus 100.

The pulse display apparatus 100 may include operate in conjunction withan MRI apparatus that is configured for capturing MR images.Alternatively, the pulse display apparatus 100 may include any or apicture archiving and communication system (PACS) viewer, a smart phone,a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or a tabletpersonal computer (PC), but is not limited thereto.

The display 64 may display any of various types of information thatrelates to displaying MRI pulses.

The display 64 may display any of an MRI pulse sequence, a pulsesequence schematic diagram, and/or error information.

The display 64 may display the MRI pulse sequence along a timeline ofthe pulse sequence schematic diagram.

The display 64 may display a division line that distinguishes aplurality of time sections on a pulse sequence schematic diagram.

The display 64 may display respective colors extracted with respect to aplurality of areas that correspond to the plurality of time sections inthe pulse sequence schematic diagram, on the plurality of areas.

The display 64 may adjust respective sizes of the plurality of areasthat correspond to the plurality of time sections, and display therespective colors extracted with respect to the plurality of areas onthe plurality of areas with adjusted sizes.

The display 64 may display information that is related to an MRI pulse,which is displayed in an area selected by the user, from among aplurality of MRI pulses included in the MRI pulse sequence.

The display 64 may display an input window that facilitates a user inputof annotation information related to the area selected by the user.

The user input unit 66 may receive various user inputs that relate todisplaying the plurality of MRI pulses. Further, the user input unit 66may receive various user inputs that relate to manipulating a displayeduser interface.

The user input unit 66 may receive a user input that relates toselecting a point on the displayed pulse sequence schematic diagram.

The user input unit 66 may receive a user input that relates to changinga time scale of a timeline.

The user input unit 66 may receive a user input that relates to draggingalong a direction of the timeline of the pulse sequence schematicdiagram.

The user input unit 66 may receive a user input that relates toinputting annotation information about the area selected by the user.

The controller 50 may control components in the pulse display apparatus100, for example, the user input unit 66 and the display 64.

The controller 50 may control the display 64 such that the display 64displays, on an image that is usable for identifying an area where aselected point is located from among the plurality of areascorresponding to the plurality of time sections, an image that is usablefor identifying the area where the selected point is located.

The controller 50 may acquire the plurality of time sections and aparameter setting value that is usable for determining MRI pulsesgenerated in the plurality of time sections, and based on the parametersetting value, may generate the MRI pulse sequence that is divided intothe plurality of time sections.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the pulse display apparatus 100according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, the pulse display apparatus 100 may include agantry 20, a signal transceiver 30, a monitoring unit (also referred toherein as a “monitor”) 40, a controller 50, and an operating unit (alsoreferred to herein as a “user workstation”) 60.

The gantry 20 prevents external emission of electromagnetic wavesgenerated by a main magnet 22, a gradient coil 24, and an RF coil 26. Amagnetostatic field and a gradient magnetic field are formed in a borein the gantry 20, and an RF signal is emitted toward an object 10.

The main magnet 22, the gradient coil 24, and the RF coil 26 may bearranged in a predetermined direction with respect to the gantry 20. Thepredetermined direction may be a coaxial cylinder direction. The object10 may be disposed on a table 28 that is capable of being inserted intoa cylinder along a horizontal axis of the cylinder.

The main magnet 22 generates a magnetostatic field or a static magneticfield for aligning magnetic dipole moments of atomic nuclei of theobject 10 in a constant direction. A precise and accurate MR image ofthe object 10 may be obtained due to a magnetic field generated by themain magnet 22 being strong and uniform.

The gradient coil 24 includes X, Y, and Z coils configured forgenerating gradient magnetic fields in X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axisdirections that cross each other at right angles (i.e., directions thatare mutually orthogonal). The gradient coil 24 may provide locationinformation that relates to each region of the object 10 by variablyinducing resonance frequencies according to the regions of the object10.

The RF coil 26 may emit an RF signal toward a patient and receive an MRsignal emitted from the patient. In detail, the RF coil 26 may transmit,toward atomic nuclei included in the patient and having precessionalmotion, an RF signal that has the same frequency as that of theprecessional motion, stop transmitting the RF signal, and then receivean MR signal emitted from the atomic nuclei included in the patient.

For example, in order to transit an atomic nucleus from a low energystate to a high energy state, the RF coil 26 may generate and apply anelectromagnetic wave signal that is an RF signal which corresponds to atype of the atomic nucleus, to the object 10. When the electromagneticwave signal generated by the RF coil 26 is applied to the atomicnucleus, the atomic nucleus may transit from the low energy state to thehigh energy state. Then, when electromagnetic waves generated by the RFcoil 26 disappear, the atomic nucleus to which the electromagnetic waveswere applied transits from the high energy state to the low energystate, thereby emitting electromagnetic waves that have a Larmorfrequency. In this aspect, when the applying of the electromagnetic wavesignal to the atomic nucleus is stopped, an energy level of the atomicnucleus is changed from a high energy level to a low energy level, andthus the atomic nucleus may emit electromagnetic waves that have aLarmor frequency. The RF coil 26 may receive electromagnetic wavesignals from atomic nuclei included in the object 10.

The RF coil 26 may be realized as one RF transmitting and receiving coilthat has both a function of generating electromagnetic waves, each ofwhich has an RF that corresponds to a type of an atomic nucleus, and afunction of receiving electromagnetic waves emitted from an atomicnucleus. Alternatively, the RF coil 26 may be realized as a transmissionRF coil that has a function of generating electromagnetic waves, each ofwhich has an RF that corresponds to a type of an atomic nucleus, and areception RF coil that has a function of receiving electromagnetic wavesemitted from an atomic nucleus.

The RF coil 26 may be fixed to the gantry 20 or may be detachable. Whenthe RF coil 26 is detachable, the RF coil 26 may be an RF coil that isconfigured for a specific part of the object, such as a head RF coil, achest RF coil, a leg RF coil, a neck RF coil, a shoulder RF coil, awrist RF coil, or an ankle RF coil.

The RF coil 26 may communicate with an external apparatus via wiresand/or wirelessly, and may also perform dual tune communicationaccording to a communication frequency band.

The RF coil 26 may communicate with an external apparatus via wiresand/or wirelessly, and may also perform dual tune communicationaccording to a communication frequency band.

The RF coil 26 may include any of a transmission exclusive coil, areception exclusive coil, or a transmission and reception coil accordingto methods of transmitting and receiving an RF signal.

The RF coil 26 may include an RF coil that has any of various numbers ofchannels, such as 16 channels, 32 channels, 72 channels, and 144channels.

The gantry 20 may further include a display 29 disposed outside thegantry 20 and a display (not shown) disposed inside the gantry 20. Thegantry 20 may provide predetermined information to the user or theobject 10 via the display 29 and the display respectively disposedoutside and inside the gantry 20.

The signal transceiver 30 may control the gradient magnetic field formedinside the gantry 20, i.e., in the bore, according to a predetermined MRsequence, and control transmission and reception of an RF signal and anMR signal.

The signal transceiver 30 may include a gradient amplifier 32, atransmission and reception switch 34, an RF transmitter 36, and an RFreceiver 38.

The gradient amplifier 32 drives the gradient coil 24 included in thegantry 20, and may supply a pulse signal for generating a gradientmagnetic field to the gradient coil 24 under the control of a gradientmagnetic field controller 54. By controlling the pulse signal suppliedfrom the gradient amplifier 32 to the gradient coil 24, gradientmagnetic fields in X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions may besynthesized.

The RF transmitter 36 and the RF receiver 38 may drive the RF coil 26.The RF transmitter 36 may supply an RF pulse in a Larmor frequency tothe RF coil 26, and the RF receiver 38 may receive an MR signal receivedby the RF coil 26.

The transmission and reception switch 34 may adjust transmitting andreceiving directions of the RF signal and the MR signal. For example,the transmission and reception switch 34 may emit the RF signal towardthe object 10 via the RF coil 26 during a transmission mode, and receivethe MR signal from the object 10 via the RF coil 26 during a receptionmode. The transmission and reception switch 34 may be controlled by acontrol signal output by an RF controller 56.

The monitoring unit 40 may monitor or control the gantry 20 or devicesmounted on the gantry 20. The monitoring unit 40 may include a systemmonitoring unit (also referred to herein as a “system monitor”) 42, anobject monitoring unit (also referred to herein as an “object monitor”)44, a table controller 46, and a display controller 48.

The system monitoring unit 42 may monitor and control any one or more ofa state of the magnetostatic field, a state of the gradient magneticfield, a state of the RF signal, a state of the RF coil 26, a state ofthe table 28, a state of a device measuring body information of theobject 10, a power supply state, a state of a thermal exchanger, and astate of a compressor.

The object monitoring unit 44 monitors a state of the object 10. Indetail, the object monitoring unit 44 may include a camera configuredfor observing a movement or position of the object 10, a respirationmeasurer configured for measuring the respiration of the object 10, anelectrocardiogram (ECG) measurer configured for measuring the electricalactivity of the object 10, and/or a temperature measurer configured formeasuring a temperature of the object 10.

The table controller 46 controls a movement of the table 28 where theobject 10 is positioned. The table controller 46 may control themovement of the table 28 according to a sequence control of thecontroller 50. For example, during moving imaging of the object 10, thetable controller 46 may continuously or discontinuously move the table28 according to the sequence control of the controller 50, and thus theobject 10 may be photographed in a field of view (FOV) larger than thatof the gantry 20.

The display controller 48 controls the display 29 disposed outside thegantry 20 and the display disposed inside the gantry 20. In detail, thedisplay controller 48 may control the display 29 and the display to beon or off, and may control a screen image to be output on the display 29and the display. Further, when a speaker is located inside or outsidethe gantry 20, the display controller 48 may control the speaker to beon or off, or may control sound to be output via the speaker.

The controller 50 may include a sequence controller 52 configured forcontrolling a sequence of signals formed in the gantry 20, and a gantrycontroller 58 configured for controlling the gantry 20 and the devicesmounted on the gantry 20.

The sequence controller 52 may include the gradient magnetic fieldcontroller 54 configured for controlling the gradient amplifier 32, andthe RF controller 56 configured for controlling the RF transmitter 36,the RF receiver 38, and the transmission and reception switch 34. Thesequence controller 52 may control the gradient amplifier 32, the RFtransmitter 36, the RF receiver 38, and the transmission and receptionswitch 34 according to a pulse sequence received from the operating unit60. In this aspect, the pulse sequence includes all information requiredto control the gradient amplifier 32, the RF transmitter 36, the RFreceiver 38, and the transmission and reception switch 34. For example,the pulse sequence may include information about a strength, anapplication time, and application timing of a pulse signal applied tothe gradient coil 24.

The operating unit 60 may request the controller 50 to transmit pulsesequence information while controlling an overall operation of the MRIsystem.

The operating unit 60 may include an image processor 62 configured forreceiving and processing the MR signal received by the RF receiver 38, adisplay 64, and a user input unit 66.

The image processor 62 may process the MR signal received from the RFreceiver 38 so as to generate MR image data that relates to the object10.

The image processor 62 receives the MR signal received by the RFreceiver 38 and performs any one of various signal processes, such asamplification, frequency transformation, phase detection, low frequencyamplification, and filtering, on the received MR signal.

The image processor 62 may arrange digital data in a k space (forexample, also referred to as a Fourier space or a frequency space) of amemory, and rearrange the digital data into image data via 2D or 3DFourier transformation.

The image processor 62 may perform a composition process or differencecalculation process on image data if required. The composition processmay include an addition process on a pixel or a maximum intensityprojection (MIP) process. The image processor 62 may store not only therearranged image data but also image data on which a composition processor a difference calculation process is performed, in a memory (notshown) or an external server.

The image processor 62 may perform any of the signal processes on the MRsignal in parallel. For example, the image processor 62 may perform asignal process on a plurality of MR signals received by a multi-channelRF coil in parallel so as to rearrange the plurality of MR signals intoimage data.

The display 64 may output image data generated or rearranged by theimage processor 62 to the user. The display 64 may also outputinformation required for the user to manipulate the MRI system, such asa user interface (UI), user information, or object information. Thedisplay 64 may include any one or more of a speaker, a printer, acathode-ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasmadisplay panel (PDP), an organic light-emitting device (OLED) display, afield emission display (FED), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, avacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a digital light processing (DLP)display, a flat panel display (FPD), a 3-dimensional (3D) display, atransparent display, and/or any one of other various output devices thatare well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The user may input object information, parameter information, a scancondition, a pulse sequence, and/or information about image compositionor difference calculation by using the user input unit 66. The userinput unit 66 may include any one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, atrack ball, a voice recognizer, a gesture recognizer, a touch screen, orany one of other various input devices that are well known to one ofordinary skill in the art.

The signal transceiver 30, the monitoring unit 40, the controller 50,and the operating unit 60 are separate components in FIG. 13, but itwill be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that respectivefunctions of the signal transceiver 30, the monitoring unit 40, thecontroller 50, and the operating unit 60 may be performed by anothercomponent. For example, the image processor 62 converts the MR signalreceived from the RF receiver 38 into a digital signal in FIG. 13, butalternatively, the conversion of the MR signal into the digital signalmay be performed by the RF receiver 38 or the RF coil 26.

The gantry 20, the RF coil 26, the signal transceiver 30, the monitoringunit 40, the controller 50, and the operating unit 60 may be connectedto each other by wire or wirelessly, and when they are connectedwirelessly, the MRI system may further include an apparatus (not shown)for synchronizing clock signals therebetween. Communication between thegantry 20, the RF coil 26, the signal transceiver 30, the monitoringunit 40, the controller 50, and the operating unit 60 may be performedby using a high-speed digital interface, such as low voltagedifferential signaling (LVDS), asynchronous serial communication, suchas a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART), a low-delaynetwork protocol, such as error synchronous serial communication or acontroller area network (CAN), optical communication, or any of othervarious communication methods that are well known to one of ordinaryskill in the art.

One or more exemplary embodiments can be implemented by usingcomputer-readable code/instructions, such as a computer-executed programmodule, stored in/on a medium, e.g., a computer-readable medium. Thecomputer-readable medium may be a random computer-accessible medium, andmay include volatile media, non-volatile media, separable media and/ornon-separable media. Further, the computer-readable medium maycorrespond to any computer storage media and communication media. Thecomputer storage media includes volatile media, non-volatile media,separable media and/or non-separable media which are implemented byusing a method or technology for storing information, such ascomputer-readable code/instructions, data structures, program modules,or other data. The communication media generally includescomputer-readable code/instructions, data structures, program modules,or other transmission mechanisms, and random information transmissionmedia.

It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described thereinshould be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each exemplaryembodiment should typically be considered as available for other similarfeatures or aspects in other exemplary embodiments. For example, asingle element may be separately implemented, and separate elements maybe implemented in a combined form.

While one or more exemplary embodiments have been described withreference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinaryskill in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pulse display apparatus comprising: a displayconfigured to display a pulse sequence schematic diagram that shows amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequence along a timeline that isdivided into a plurality of time sections; a user input deviceconfigured to receive a user input that relates to selecting a firstpoint on the pulse sequence schematic diagram; and a controllerconfigured to control the display such that an image that is usable foridentifying a first area is displayed on the first area, wherein thefirst point is located in the first area from among a plurality of areasthat correspond to the plurality of time sections.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to acquire aparameter setting value that is usable for determining the plurality oftime sections and MRI pulses generated in the plurality of timesections, and, based on the parameter setting value, to generate the MRIpulse sequence, and the display is further configured to display the MRIpulse sequence along the timeline.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe parameter setting value comprises at least one selected from amongtime length information that relates to the plurality of time sections,order information that relates to the plurality of time sections,information about respective colors that correspond to the plurality oftime sections, and information about the MRI pulses generated in theplurality of time sections.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thedisplay is further configured to display a division line for dividingthe plurality of time sections on the pulse sequence schematic diagram.5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to extract respective colors that correspond to the pluralityof areas based on the information about the respective colors thatcorrespond to the plurality of time sections, and the display is furtherconfigured to display the extracted respective colors on the pluralityof areas.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the user input device isfurther configured to receive a user input that relates to changing atime scale of the timeline, and when the user input that relates tochanging the time scale is received, the display is further configuredto adjust respective sizes of the plurality of areas that correspond tothe plurality of time sections and to display the extracted respectivecolors with the adjusted sizes.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theMRI pulse sequence comprises a plurality of pulse sequences, thecontroller is further configured to determine a pulse sequence thatcorresponds to the first point from among the plurality of pulsesequences, and to determine a second area that corresponds to thedetermined pulse sequence from the first area, and the display isfurther configured to display an image that is usable for identifyingthe second area on the second area.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe user input device is further configured to receive a user input thatrelates to dragging from the first point in a direction of the timelineof the pulse sequence schematic diagram, based on the user input thatrelates to the dragging, the controller is further configured todetermine at least two areas that include at least a part of the firstarea where the first point is located, and the display is configured todisplay a respective image that is usable for identifying acorresponding one of the at least two areas on each of the at least twoareas.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display is furtherconfigured to display information about an MRI pulse displayed in thefirst area from among a plurality of MRI pulses that form the MRI pulsesequence.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the image that isusable for identifying the first area is displayed, the display isfurther configured to display an input window that relates to inputtingannotation information, the user input device is further configured toreceive a user input that relates to inputting annotation informationthat describes the first area, via the input window, and the controlleris further configured to map the inputted annotation information to atime section that corresponds to the first area from among the pluralityof time sections, and then to store the mapped annotation information.11. A pulse sequence display method comprising: displaying a pulsesequence schematic diagram that shows a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)pulse sequence along a timeline that is divided into a plurality of timesections; receiving a user input that relates to selecting a first pointon the pulse sequence schematic diagram; and controlling the displaysuch that an image that is usable for identifying a first area isdisplayed on the first area, wherein the first point is located in thefirst area from among a plurality of areas that correspond to theplurality of time sections.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thedisplaying the pulse sequence schematic diagram comprises: acquiring aparameter setting value that is usable for determining the plurality oftime sections and MRI pulses generated in the plurality of timesections; generating, based on the parameter setting value, the MRIpulse sequence; and displaying the MRI pulse sequence along thetimeline.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the parameter settingvalue comprises at least one selected from among time length informationthat relates to the plurality of time sections, order information thatrelates to the plurality of time sections, information about respectivecolors that correspond to the plurality of time sections, andinformation about the MRI pulses generated in the plurality of timesections.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the displaying the pulsesequence schematic diagram comprises displaying a division line fordividing the plurality of time sections on the pulse sequence schematicdiagram.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: extractingrespective colors that correspond to the plurality of areas based on theinformation about the respective colors that correspond to the pluralityof time sections; and displaying the extracted respective colors on theplurality of areas.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the displayingthe extracted respective colors on the plurality of areas comprises:receiving a user input that relates to changing a time scale of thetimeline; adjusting respective sizes of the plurality of areas thatcorrespond to the plurality of time sections; and displaying theextracted respective colors with the adjusted sizes.
 17. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the MRI pulse sequence comprises a plurality of pulsesequences, and the displaying the image that is usable for identifyingthe first area comprises: determining a pulse sequence that correspondsto the first point from among the plurality of pulse sequences;determining a second area that corresponds to the determined pulsesequence from the first area; and displaying an image that is usable foridentifying the second area on the second area.
 18. The method of claim11, further comprising: receiving a user input that relates to draggingfrom the first point in a direction of the timeline of the pulsesequence schematic diagram; determining, based on the user input thatrelates to the dragging, at least two areas that include at least a partof the first area where the first point is located; and displaying arespective image that is usable for identifying a corresponding one ofthe at least two areas on each of the at least two areas.
 19. The methodof claim 11, further comprising displaying information about an MRIpulse displayed in the first area from among a plurality of MRI pulsesthat form the MRI pulse sequence.
 20. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: displaying, when the image that is usable for identifyingthe first area is displayed, an input window that relates to inputtingannotation information; receiving, via the input window, a user inputthat relates to inputting annotation information that describes thefirst area; and mapping the inputted annotation information to a timesection that corresponds to the first area from among the plurality oftime sections, and then storing the mapped annotation information.